Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 9 •

"So, what happened to them?"

Lorraine looked up into the sky. Raindrops trickled gently down her face as she thought back to that awful day back in 844.

"Finished," Mikasa exclaimed happily, "Look, Mama!" The older girl held up her handiwork to show her mother, who sat between her and Lorraine, teaching them the art of embroidery. Lorraine scoffed lightly, struggling with the thread, which had somehow ended up tangled into several knots. Mrs. Ackerman smiled brightly and said to Mikasa, "Oh, darling, it looks beautiful! Excellent work, Mikasa!" Lorraine's brows were furrowed in concentration. She tugged at the lavender-coloured thread in annoyance and grumbled unintelligibly.

"It's alright, Lorraine! You just have to be more patient and gentle with the threads. Take your time and don't rush it."

Lorraine sighed, "But, Mama, Mika's looks so perfect!" Mikasa's expression fell and Mrs. Ackerman said sweetly, "Lo, don't you worry about that. You'll catch on, too. Just be patient and learn at your own pace." The younger daughter put her embroidery hoop and needle down, letting out another sigh. Mrs. Ackerman said softly, "You know, girls, when your little brother or sister arrives, you'll get to help me teach them how to do this, too. Not to mention, it'll be your turn to pass it on when you have children of your own." Lorraine smiled brightly at the mention of their unborn baby sibling. Mikasa asked curiously, "I don't get it. How can we have children?" Lorraine looked up inquisitively. Mrs. Ackerman stammered a little, nervous and slightly embarrassed, but said, "Wh-why don't you ask your father about that?" Lorraine looked over at Mr. Ackerman, who was drying dishes at the time.

"Well, Daddy?"

His face flushed a bright red, obviously uncomfortable with sharing how babies were made with two nine-year-old girls. He stuttered and stumbled his way through, but managed to say, "Oh, uh, I-I-I d-don't really know, either!" He laughed nervously, then said, avoiding the question, "Wait, I know! That nice Dr. Jaeger is scheduled to be here soon! Wh-why don't we ask him?" Upon hearing the good doctor's name, Mrs. Ackerman said, "Oh, yes! Lorraine, would you be a dear and go to the well to fetch us some water for tea?" Lorraine jumped up, beaming, and ran out the back door to go to the well, which was a good distance away, grabbing a small, metal bucket. Mrs. Ackerman turned to her older daughter and said, "Mikasa, would you make sure the table is set for teatime? Dr. Jaeger should be here any time--"

"Oh," Mrs. Ackerman said softly as her husband walked to the door, "That must be him, now."

Lorraine explained solemnly, "Little did I know, soon after I went to get the water, these...human traffickers...showed up. They killed Mom and Dad and...and they took Mikasa." Reiner sat with his legs crossed and his arms folded. He let out a sigh. Lorraine continued, "When I got back, I couldn't believe what I was seeing...."

Lorraine trotted back to the house as quickly as she could without tripping, carrying the heavy bucket of water and trying not to spill it on her light blue dress. She heard the distinct sounds of thunder rolling in as the sky grew dark and grey. She felt the light pitter-patter of rain hitting her head and shoulders as she walked quickly back. As she opened the door, holding the bucket of water, what greeted her was horrifying. The metallic scent of blood assaulted her nose, causing her to reel slightly. Her eyes fell upon the gory sight of her parents lying in pools of their own blood. Her father was lying on his back with a single stab wound in his stomach. Blood had soaked his light yellow shirt, staining it a dark shade of red, and he had a light stream of blood from the corner of his mouth. Her mother had a horrific gash in her shoulder and had bled out. Her long, black hair was left as a sticky mass by her head and she was holding a pair of shears in her right hand. Lorraine dropped the bucket in a state of shock, sending water splashing across the floor. She began to shake, then fell to the floor, vomiting violently, coughing and sputtering.